Phonics: Consonant Blends
To develop ability to hear and produce initial consonant blends in preparation for phonics.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Literacy
- Learning area: Literacy
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Hears initial consonant blends
- Produces blend sounds
- Identifies blend words
- Sorts words by initial blend
Materials
- Blend picture cards (sl, br, cr, tr, fl)
- Blend sorting mats
- Object bags for each blend
- Blend alliteration books
Instructions
Focus on one blend per week. For 'st': 'This week our special sound is ST. Star! Stick! Stop! Can you feel two sounds together — ssss and tttt — st? St-ar. St-ick. St-op!'
Show how a blend works: 'Without the s, we'd say... top. With s... stop! The s makes it longer at the start.' This explicit comparison helps children hear the difference.
Make a blend collection. Each week, gather objects and pictures for the blend. Build a wall display showing all the blends you've explored with their objects beneath.
Play 'blend or not a blend?' — say a word, children signal (thumbs up/down) whether it starts with the target blend: 'Stamp? [thumbs up] Star? [thumbs up] Frog? [thumbs down]' Keep it brisk and fun.
Read books rich in the target blend — many Julia Donaldson books work brilliantly. 'The Snail and the Whale' is wonderful for 'sn'. Point out blend words as you read.
Link to writing for children who are ready: 'St. If I wanted to write 'stop', I'd need s and t together at the start — and then o-p.' Demonstrate, don't drill.